A year of adventure and discovery in Tasmania with Maya

Originally from a small town in Bavaria, Germany, Maya Kaltenborn travelled across the world in July 2022 for a year of adventure in Australia. Landing in Tasmania, she’s now completing her year 12 studies at Hobart College.

Being fascinated by different cultures, lifestyles and environments, Hobart was the perfect study destination for Maya. Moving to the southernmost state of Australia only added to the appeal, as the extra distance made Maya’s journey all the more exciting.

For Maya, life as an international student in Tasmania is “like a dream finally coming true.”

Since arriving, Maya has formed many friendships with her fellow students at Hobart College, including many other international students. The welcome from teachers was lovely and warm, and Maya has felt constantly supported by them throughout the year.


“Learning how people live in different countries and listening to all the different reasons they chose to study in Tasmania makes me want to travel all over the world,” she shares.

Finding a home away from home

Through Tasmania’s Government Education Training International (GETI) organisation, Maya found the perfect host family for her stay in Tasmania. Right from the beginning, her host mother made her feel safe and welcome.

“Whatever I need, she is here for me, and whatever I want to do, she tries her best to make it possible,” Maya shares. “She is supportive and loving, treating me like a part of her family.”

Maya’s host family also includes another international student from China, her ‘host brother’, Leo.

Their host mother has taken them to visit many of Tasmania’s stunning natural landmarks, including Mount Wellington, Port Arthur, Maria Island, and various spots along the west coast. Out of all the beautiful parts of Tasmania she has visited, Bruny Island is Maya’s favourite.

Getting an outdoor education

Being a student at Hobart College has allowed Maya to study subjects that she did not have in Germany, like outdoor education. In fact, one of the biggest highlights during her time in Tasmania has been the chance to experience new activities with her outdoor education class, such as bushwalking, surfing, sailing and traversing the coast.

Although Maya and her fellow international students were often trying these activities for the first time, she says that they felt completely safe and prepared thanks to their teacher, who showed them everything they needed to know before getting started. She feels that time in the fresh air provides the perfect balance for a young person who is busy with their studies.

More than just a school

The support that Hobart College provides to its students goes beyond academic achievements, and Maya praises the school for their focus on overall wellbeing and happiness.

Whenever she is feeling homesick, Maya’s English as an additional language or dialect (EAL/D) teacher, who looks after the international students at Hobart College, goes out of her way to make sure that she is feeling better. Plus, Maya says that thanks to the EAL/D classes, her English is 10 times better than before!

Studying at Hobart College has also been Maya’s first opportunity to take drama as a subject, which is something she has always wanted to do. Encouraged by her drama teacher, she was proud to play one of the major roles in their end-of-year production.

Maya’s global future

The chance to study in Tasmania has allowed Maya to expand her knowledge and skills, discover new interests and figure out what makes her happy. When she returns to Germany, Maya plans to study international business management and hopes to complete some of that course overseas, inspired by her time in tasmania.

“I am looking forward to a semester outside of Germany, probably in South Korea or Costa Rica!” she says.

Maya’s advice for other international students considering studying in Tasmania is to go for it and embrace all of the unique experiences that international study has to offer.

“Like me, you will get all the help and support you need from teachers and students,” she explains. “Don’t let dreams just be dreams, make it reality and come to adventure-filled Tasmania!”